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Proposed Spinal Fusion T-10 to pelvis
Spine Health | Last Active: Apr 9 3:23pm | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
@bassetmom
Im fused T10-S4. I did this because I crushed some vertebrae and likely would've been paralyzed. I highly advise against this large fusion unless you absolutely have to. Yes. You have pain, now. YES! You will have possibly even more, after fusion. You cannot mess with the spine in that capacity, without major damage.
Eight years of being bedridden (after surgery), due to intense pain, I finally was approved for an intrathecal pain pump. I'm kinda walking again, but the nerve damage from such a major, major surgery cannot be helped in any meaningful way. I am in constant, almost debilitating pain, even with the pump.
Take what you've got and work around it. Your pain is likely not gonna get any better and will very likely get worse. And recovery, after a surgery like that, takes years. I wish I didn't have to tell you this...
Replies to "@bassetmom Im fused T10-S4. I did this because I crushed some vertebrae and likely would've been..."
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@jax60 Thank you for your very honest comments. I very much appreciate them and I am very sorry for your situation. I assume your experience is why two other neurosurgeons, not a Mayo, told me they wouldn't do it unless I was having so much pain I'd rather die first. I assume you had your surgery at Mayo and I guess your surgeon was one of their neurosurgeons? Dr. Abode is currently who I have seen but as I said, I have not yet decided. I do not have crushed vertebrae, more life-long scoliosis and other aging maladies as I am 71. I had lower lumbar surgery when I was 18 from a ruptured disc but that was nothing as involved as this would be. My responsibilities at home are a big obstacle b/c I live alone in the country and have 3 dogs to care for so I'd have to have a lot of help for a while afterward, which would mean paying someone or several people. Just finding reliable people is hard. Thank you again for posting your honest experience. I wish you well and pray for your improvement.